Introducing

Casi

Ruth

Ting

B.

A Mother's Ordeal, the book

An earlier post had this title. This is actually the title of a book I read while waiting during our first adoption in 1997. This book can be found in some libraries and here's the info from Amazon. Consider reading this and learning more about the People's Liberation Movement and the One Child Policy.

They Said It Couldn't Be Done!

Before we traveled, our agency asked the US Consulate Guangzhou if we could have our consulate appt and my swearing-in on the same day. NO, that is not enough time to prepare the docs. It'll have to be two consecutive days as usual.

Today my guide went to our consulate appt. She called me at noon instructing us to be ready to go to the consulate at 2:30. Yesterday she mentioned some doc that I may have to have notarized, so I thought it was about a notary. When we boarded a charter bus with 7 other families, I finally understood what her poor English couldn't convey---I was to be sworn-in today!! Apparently the consulate staff wants to be free tomorrow afternoon to begin their July4th holiday early!

But, what will it cost to change my tickets? I decided if near cost of my hotel room, Casi and I would switch our travel dates. A call to NW China office and I was pleasantly surprised to learn there is no cost to change my tickets---We can leave a day early for home!!! So, we'll fly out tomorrow at 8:20am (7:20pm Wed CST) Casi is excited and so I am!

On Thursday afternoon, Casi will be come a US citizen when we complete immigration in Detroit! Security will not allow any pictures inside the consulate and guards take your cameras, phones, ipods, etc at the security check point. You collect all electronic devices when you leave. So, all I have to memorialize the event is a quick, blurry pic of Casi in front of the consulate. Why does our country not have attractive consulates?

Thanks for traveling along with us. And a big thank you to those who prayed for us. Many times, we've seen problems solved quickly because of your prayers.

With love,
Linda and Casi

Meeting a New Old Friend

Today, I met Robyn and her new daughter, 7yo Maddy (sp?) and the other family who adopted Maddy's orphanage mate. While Robyn and I have talked and emailed, we've never actually met. Robyn has generously made knitted caps that we took in 2006 to Kate and Casi's orphanage. Today was a special treat to finally meet each other, especially so many lonely miles from home.

Maddy is a dainty, beautiful, playful, bundle of energy! Casi and Maddy were really beginning to have fun when all too soon, we had to say Good Night. We promised them that we will get together soon back in OKC.

The Calabash

There are many small shops on Shamian Island. Some have been here since our first adoption in 1998. We visited only two shops today--that must be a record. Sherry's was our first stop. Her brother, Jerry, explained that the gov forced them to move in order to lease the old place to a large business. She's still online and we found Casi's chinese dress.

The other shop is where I purchase a Calabash in 2006, because the guy played so easily. Once home, I realized that the instructions weren't clear enough for me and all I could produce were Duck calls! Today I visited that same shop and told Sarah, the main clerk with good English, my story. I think it was a first because she laughed long and hard that I came back to China for lessons. She explained my delimma to the calibash expert and he offered to give me a lesson right then! With his pointing at the music, repositioning my fingers and drilling me on breathing techniques (all without using English) I was proudly able to play a duet of "Happy Birthday" with him. Of course, we drew a crowd; I hope sales were good in spite of my beginner technique. And it will be a long time before I can play as well as little QingChe.

While I took my flute lesson, Casi enjoyed playing with the shop's little birds. Their wings are clipped so they hop in and out of their cage and hop around exploring. Casi would lure them with greens. She has decided that we need a bird. That is in addition to the dog, kitty, bunny, and hamster she desires. She does not want an iguana.

Please pray

for the families of two fellow homeschool moms--Cindy Prentice and Lynda Quinones. These long time homeschool friends have gone to Heaven in the past few days. Their personalities and talents were different and I benefited greatly from them when we began hsing in 1991. Their testimonies were intact and strong to the end; by Scripture, their families know exactly where they are now, yet it's still very sad for those left behind.

What Do You Call a ________?

Russian = Ur Guo

German = Ge Guo

French = Fa Guo

England = En Guo

American = Ma Guo (may gwuh)

You've probably figured out that Guo means Country.

Today at Casi's Medical Exam, the nurse was trying to get her to find a hidden object in a puzzle picture (yes, part of the exam). First, one was telling her what to do, then two and then they began getting louder and finally almost yelling, like that would help her to understand. By that time I'm saying MA GUO. MA GUO to them. Finally one nurse said Huh?? and looked at Casi. The lull in the verbal "instructions" allowed my guide to explain She doesn't remember Chinese! All that time, Casi sat there with a grin on her face. Now, I'm wondering...

A Dark Day in Guangzhou

Early this morning, Casi and I flew to Guangzhou. We're in the Victory Hotel, which I've always enjoyed...until tonight. The peacocks...now I understand all the online complaints. These birds are LOUD. I've heard, for years, about the flock that roost on the nextdoor school. For a long while, I thought it was young children outside (we're on the 4th floor-I should have figure out something was odd). Then the noise grew louder and louder. Do they do this all night?? Guess I'll know by tomorrow a.m.

Today was not a good day. My local guide, as sweet as she is, is having difficulty communicating with me. Not a good thing on the day of the US Medical Exam. She told me that Casi needed shots. 3 shots??? And someone failed to tell me exactly how many RMB would be required for the appt/shots/and record. I came prepared with envelopes of USD and no time to do an exchange; had to hurry from airport to exam appt.

Poor Casi. The nurse giving the shots was brutal! She literally slammed the needle in each time. Casi came close to crying as did I! A big thunderstorm was occuring all afternoon. We quickly went back to our room to hide, play cards, order room service and hope that tomorrow is a better day. The guide has a consulate appointment on our behalf, so Casi and I are free to wonder around lovely Shamian Island, home of many nations' embassies.

Maybe the sun will come out, tomorrow.

Someone asked if they were examining her teeth....
Look closer.....The nurse is using an instrument to look inside her nose!

A Mother's Ordeal

While walking thru Yingze Park today, we saw a very young mother kneeling over her beautiful, sleeping, toddler girl. My first thought was that the baby was ill, so I asked my guide to talk with the mother. Simply, honestly, and with the sweetest face I've seen in a long time, the young woman answered No, she is healthy; I am begging so we can eat. She went on to explain that she is a farmer from the countryside, but it's been very dry and crops are bad. She came to the city for money. We gave money, the contact info of the church I visited Sunday and explained that they could help her in some way.

Her words and picture are enough for now.

Jia You!! Jia You!! on June 26

Jia You! Jia You! (pronounced jye-yoh) The crowds shouted over and over as they walked along in an unorganized parade. The Olympic Torch came to town today! and we were there! Sidewalk Tshirt and flag vendors appeared overnight. Sales were good. Flags were waving. Everyone was excited about the One China, One People. That's the local slogan for the Olympics and they plan to win big! Jia You is a phrase you'd use to gas up your car. So, roughly it means Let's get Going! or Let's Do our Best!

It's Sunday, Time for Church and a Walk

Online I found an index of churches in China. Just type in a city or province to find listings. Christian Church of Taiyuan City is about 15min from our hotel at No.98 Qiaotou Street (ph202-7557). We arrived during the music service to hear hundreds of voices singing To God Be the Glory. There were several more songs, some that I knew and a special from the choir. Then the congregation did a reading of scripture. It appeared that all the prayers were scripted because, in unison, the congregation would say Amen! at appropriate intervals. Today’s sermon was given by an 81year old preacher from Shanghai. His passion and stamina during his one hour sermon hid his age well. The text was from Psalm 34:9-22. I’d ask my guide What is he saying? occasionally, hoping to keep her attention on the message. Just as with the Beijing church I attended in April 2007, there was no Invitation given.

The crowd was so large and packed into a medium sized auditorium. I just had to know the number attending, so counted seats and rows. 27 across x 38 rows=1026 seats and more in the balcony which I couldn’t see. Leg room was like on airplanes, so they get more seating here for the space. The locals and I don’t have much leg length, so it’s probably a good design plan. Over one thousand people in church in Taiyuan on a Sunday morning. And this was the 10am service. They also have 7:30am Sunday and 10am Saturday services.

As with any large church, there was moving around, folks leaving, and some obviously not paying attention. Like the guy sitting next to us. He kept rubbing his arm. Finally the lady in front of him turned to politely ask (I’m guessing here) Is something wrong with your arm? No, he said (I heard this part) and continued to rub his arm. Some folks had to leave early and some came in late. It was raining and cool today, so the un-air conditioned auditorium was comfortable. I wonder how many are actually Saved? Is this a weekly social gathering for some as it is in many American churches?

We walked home and stopped at a sidewalk kitchen to buy JianBing (like a rolled thin tortilla, smeared with beaten egg, sprinkled with chopped green onion, chunky pickle relish and a secret sauce (salty and bit spicy). Fried, then folded over and over, cut in half and put in paper sleeve to eat as you walk. Casi said she did not like it. The pickles added an unexpected burst with each bite. Cost was 7y (about $1

Sidewalk pet stores were abundant and Casi begged at each display to bring home: 1st, a baby duck, 2nd, a puppy or a kitten, 3rd, a hamster, or rabbit, or giant turtle. And there were birds. Thank goodness for Airline rules! And I didn’t stay to ask prices!

She brightened when we passed Yingze Park and found the cotton candy man. As my guide told me, this is not the same taste as our cc back home. The sugar is different, sort of tasted like brown sugar although the sugar he used was white. Just 2y (about 25c) for a stick.

Calling card and stamp collector sidewalk sales were in full swing today as well as a giant flea market. Looked just like what you’d see back home except for the chops, antique Chinese carved furniture and Chinese bird cages. There were even beautiful giant, truck size stones for sale. Maybe tomorrow we’ll visit here if it’s open.

We had dirty clothes to drop off at a local laundry, which is also the young couple’s home. 90y (~$11) for 22 pieces . They will deliver everything to our hotel tomorrow afternoon. Each piece will be clean, pressed and individually packed inside a plastic bag.

What Do We Do When There's Nothing To Do?

I've been asked what do we do when we're not at appointments or touring. At the pace our guide keeps us, we don't have much time that we are in our hotel room.

Casi and I agree that we miss home (family). We would leave right now if we could. We count off the days on our fingers at least once everyday. We talk about what we would do if we were home right now. We try to watch TV, but are weary of Chinese programs (the women cry all the time). We read books. We play WAR often and the games usually end in a tie. We don't have to boil water as on previous trips, so we have more spare time. We watch the phone/clock awaiting a call from home. We wish we were home.

Ping Yao

10am Left the hotel for Ping Yao, the ancient treasury city of China. Shanxi Province (before Mao took over, it was called Sanjin Province) is part of the cradle of Chinese culture. PY is on the UNESCO list of historical preservation sites.

Our 1 ½ hour drive took us thru East(Dong) and West(Xi) ranges of the TianLong (SkyDragon) Mountains. Shanxi people are called the Dragon People. The legend began with the 10th Emperor who was from Shanxi Province. The three mountain ranges near the rectangular city of Taiyuan are called SkyDragon, BigDragon(BaLong), and SmallDragon (XiaoLong).

After leaving the mountains, we entered farm country. The corn is waist high right now and as with everything else, is coated with coal dust. Strip mining operations abound in Shanxi Province. Respiratory cancers and poverty make this one of the poorest provinces in China.When we arrived at PingYao, we switched from a car to a dian-dong-che (motorized rickshaw). The only automobiles allowed inside the tall fortress walls of the city belong to residents. PY is 1700 years old, built in the Han Dynasty.

Our first three stops on the tour were of the Tao, Buddhist and Confucius temples. At that point, I asked if there were any more temples. No? Good. Casi and I did not accept the many invitations to enter the temples or to burn incense for a prayer.

We moved on to visit the Body Guard Agency which provided protection for the transport of monies and officials. Remember, this was almost two thousand years ago. Next we visited the local Bank and saw the underground gold and silver vaults as well as the accountants’ offices. There were other sites, but Casi was tired of the walking thru dusty old buildings so we looked for a source of lunch.

Our guide once again, did well choosing a quaint restaurant with delicious authentic local foods. She ordered three dishes that we shared, again using chopsticks, no forks! Garlic broccoli and RouXiaMo with pork&seasoning. The pork mixture is spooned inside the slit of the rouxiamo. Canned drinks were a treat after days of nothing but water.

Christina and I enjoyed talking about family, God and some politics. Apparently Pres. Bush is disliked by many Chinese because of the war he “started.” I asked her if she’d heard of 911. She said Yes, and remembered where she was that day. She became thoughtfully quiet when I asked What would you do to a group of people who entered your country, destroyed properties and killed thousands of innocent citizens?.

Our last property to visit was a family residence of 25 rooms. The paint was fading, yet, from the detailed wood trim and ornately carved stone stairways and benches, it was apparent that this must have been elegant in the days of its private family ownership. Sadly, during the Cultural Revolution (1969-76) the family was driven from their ancestral home of many generations. No one has lived there since.

One interesting design I noticed in several locations were “heated” beds. There's a picture of one in the Slideshow. You'll see the stack of white pillows on a red bed. Imagine a hip high platform bordered by the three stone walls of a narrow room and a brick covering of the fourth side. Underneath is an area for a coal fire which heat the entire area under the bed. I’m thinking fire water buckets must be nearby.

10am Left the hotel for <

Our 1 ½ hour drive took us thru East(Dong) and West(Xi) ranges of the TianLong (SkyDragon) Mountains. Shanxi people are called the Dragon People. The legend began with the 10th Emperor who was from Shanxi Province. The three mountain ranges near the rectangular city or Taiyuan are called SkyDragon, BigDragon(BaLong), and SmallDragon (XiaoLong).

After leaving the mountains, we entered farm country. The corn is waist high right now and as with everything else, is coated with coal dust. Strip mining operations abound in Shanxi Province. Respiratory cancers and poverty make this one of the poorest provinces in China.
When we arrived at PingYao, we switched from a car to a dian-dong-che (motorized rickshaw). The only automobiles allowed inside the tall fortress walls of the city belong to residents. PY is 1700 years old, built in the Han Dynasty.

Our first three stops on the tour were of the Tao, Buddhist and Confucius temples. At that point, I asked if there were any more temples. No? Good. Casi and I did not accept the many invitations to enter the temples or to burn incense for a prayer.

We moved on to visit the Body Guard Agency which provided protection for the transport of monies and officials. Remember, this was almost two thousand years ago. Next we visited the local Bank and saw the underground gold and silver vaults as well as the accountants’ offices. There were other sites, but Casi was tired of the walking thru dusty old buildings J so we looked for a source of lunch.

Our guide once again, did well choosing a quaint restaurant with delicious authentic local foods. She ordered three dishes that we shared, again using chopsticks, no forks! Garlic broccoli, , and . The .. is spooned inside the slit …. Canned drinks were a treat after days of nothing but water.

Christina and I enjoyed talking about family, God and some politics. Apparently Pres. Bush is disliked by many Chinese because of the war he “started.” I asked her if she’d heard of 911. She said Yes and remembered where she was that day. She became thoughtfully quiet when I asked What would you have done to a group of people who entered your country, destroyed properties and killed thousands of innocent citizens?.

Our last property to visit was a family residence of 25 rooms. The paint was fading yet from the detailed wood trim and ornately carved stone stairways and benches, it was apparent that this must have been elegant in the days of private family ownership. Sadly, during the Cultural Revolution (19) the family was driven from their ancestral home of many generations. No one has lived there since.

One interesting design I noticed in several locations were “heated” beds. Imagine a hip high platform bordered by three stone walls of a narrow room and a brick covering of the fourth side. Underneath is an area for a coal fire which heat the entire area under the bed. I’m thinking fire water buckets must be nearby.

Around Taiyuan Town

The following are not meant to insult, rather they are what I see and hear. Please remember that the people here are wonderfully kind and friendly.

Foliage is abundant, yet their varied hues of green dusted with a fine coating of silt. This is the coal mining area of China. Also there are many steel factories.

Buildings appear unfinished—it’s as if something is missing—trim? contrast colors? You just have a sense of incompleteness.

Government buildings win the prize for greatest lack of creativity or style. They are usually drab, grayish brick or block constructions with large dirty plate glass windows. If the architect was feeling festive, there might be a Lion statue in front. Two lions are a Wow!

Anyone with a disability cannot receive a driver's license.

Anyone of any age can purchase alchoholic beverages and cigarettes.

News Flash! I am told that the Olympic Mountain Bike Racing event is in Taiyuan. So, you can see the mountains and farm land for yourself! Maybe a bit of Taiyuan and PingYao too, if it’s a slow news day.

Photo help needed

I've got pictures, lots of pictures, that I want to link to this blog.

I also have a Photobucket album, but it's for our last adoption.

Any suggestions how I can link pics here?
I just know that someone has a solution for me.

You're welcome to post a comment below or send an email to me.
thanks!

Things I Don't See at Home

Shopkeeper washing steps with bowl of water
and handmade broom.

A car so close to my vehicle that I could reach out and touch the driver.

Elegantly dressed ladies sitting straight and tall as they ride their bike.

Large crowds of people quietly reading in
the book department at their local WalMart.

Babies strapped in the rear metal carrier,
on a fast moving bike, behind MaMa or BaBa.

Spittoons and their users

Chinese lady tourists climbing the
Great Wall in heels
(their balance and agility is impressive)

And at the top of the list during this trip:

Seeing so many bare bellies! Guys fold up their shirts as they sit or walk around town.

Insert: The Process to Foster Ting

Do you know why I blog? So that my adoptive children will have a journal of how they came to join our family. If I didn't publicly commit to this, it'd never happen. So thanks for helping me :-)

May 2005 A local chinese friend checked our agency's translation of Dang Xiyuan's Social & Development papers. The name Dang Ting was written as the person Xiyuan is closest to. Our current agency had "failed" to translate this info. We decided to find out if DT's file is at CCAA and if we can adopt both girls at same time.

June 2005 Talked with Amy at our agency, LV. She sounded as if they were not interested to help. With all of the other issues we were suffering thru by using them, we concluded to not talk about this again with them.

Decided to post request for info to all listed China agencies.

July 2005 Received reply from three agencies. Two had DT's file in past without placement. One, ****, did not have her file but offered to inquire of CCAA in Beijing. Also said they could tell us how to bring a child to US for medical fostering. Began the process of learning what to do. Meanwhile **** agency contacted her orphanage and the director agreed to allow her to come to US for med treatment!

August 2005 Prepared Letter of Request to CCAA to adopt both girls at same time. Never heard a response, so began considering med fostering.

Began contacting local opthalmologists to find fee-waived help for an international orphan. Made "good" contact at Dean McGee Eye Institute of OKC.

August 2005-March 2006 This is where things were very weird although I didn't find out until much later. Two different dmei employees, one after the other on our timeline, said they were working on getting assistance of a DMEI physician. When a third dmei replacement took over, we found out that the other two women had talked with no one! Weird; they'd take my calls, ask for info and docs, tell me things were "coming together" yet had never never talked with a doctor or the clinic...

March 30, 2006 Dr. H called me on our cell-He has reviewed video and pics of DT and feels certain what must be done for her. He wants to help her and has done this for Russian orphans in the past. He'll arrange everything at DMEI clinic so there will be no fees to China or US. It will happen!!

March 31, 2006 We and DMEI wrote to US Embassy Beijing on behalf of DT, asking for B1/B2 Visa.

June-July 2006 Visa denied twice; we requested specific issues to address

August 15, 2006 Rec'd reply from US Embassy Beijing explaining orphanage dir could reapply for visa interview. Also gave 6 points which need further information and documentation. All are doable and someone will coach director for interview. Now if the swi director will agree to return for another visa appointment...

Feb 2007 Mr. R. M of visa division of US Embassy Beijing called our home to talk with me. Questions were all covered in letters and documentation that we had provided to them, so easy to answer. Guess he just wanted to hear my voice :-)

Feb 2007 Rec'd word from Mr. R.M of bjs embassy that he will issue her visa and we can travel within a month.

God's timing is curious. My surgery (breast cancer) is scheduled in early March. We delay my travel to pick up DT until late April, giving me time to recover.

April 20, 2007 Janise and I travel to Beijing. Yang Quan staff bring DT to our hotel on the 22nd. We fly home on the 23rd.

It finally happened and took only two years. But God had a plan and worked it all out.

Adoption Completed!

It's official! We have a new daughter now named Casi Ruth Ting B. Gerald and I chose the middle names and gave her the choice of two names for first place. She pondered this for a week and decided on Casi.

The morning began with the delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel. At 9:15 we promptly left for our 9:30 appointment at the Shanxi Provincial Social Welfare building. At 9:20 Madame Notary (almost = to US Judge) called my guide to order, "Call the swi Director and let him know I cannot be there until 10:30." My guide said she replied the only way she could, "Yes, Madame notary!" I suggested her hair appointment was running late. So we sat in the lobby of the SPSW. If you've been there before you know how stark it is in this basketball court sized room---one couch, two chairs and the bored two guys handling the sign-in table next to the industrial, long, plastic strips covering the door opening.

10:40 Signing of the papers began. Customary, serious questions were asked: Why are you adopting this child? How did you learn of this child? Would you say that the info on the social welfare forms was accurate and complete? (No, but say Yes!) What will do for her medical need? How will you raise her? Take more pictures. Sign more papers. Put red thumb print here, here, and here. Think, Why do you guys still not have any wet wipes or towels to offer? Take more pictures. Casi is asked to sign and stamp with red-inked thumb. Whisper, Don't you wipe that on your shirt. Sit while everyone excepts you enjoys laughing at the latest gossip or jokes about having no wet wipes. Cringe when your newest child says loudly Can we go now? Relax when you remember that only you and guide can understand her. Hand camera over to newest child and let her fill the card with lopsided photos.

12:00 Walk out of the building with a new daughter :-)

Today is Casi's day, so she chose Pizza Hut for lunch. Not bad, in fact wonderful pizza, well after I chunked off the pineapple. Then off for Casi to buy treasures at WalMart.

Sadly, I must say that the Taiyuan WalMart is not the same as it was two years ago. In fact, they are almost Americanized. I wanted a shirt in a different size than we found for Casi, so we looked around for an Associate. We found three, deep in conversation, so they didn't notice us motioning for help. When my guide asked where other sizes were, one associate retorted "If it's not hanging over there we must not have anymore!" And the lines were long and not all registers were in use.

Yet, it still has uniqueness probably not seen in US. There were crowds of people, young and old, reading quietly in the book department. Some even napped while balancing an open book on their lap. Durian fruit is there and you'll find huge bins of dry small, young peas (think dried LaSeur Peas.)

All in all, it was a good day. I know because I asked Casi and she said it was!

Harmonious Story in the Middle

The CCAA requires a 24hour period for bonding before adoptions can be completed. So, we begin our session with signatures and red thumb prints over our signatures. Notice that I didn't call this our Gotcha Day.

Our Gotcha Day was April 23, 2007 when I traveled to recieve Dang Ting (aka TB) in Beijing from her orphanage staff. She came to live in our home, as a foster child, while receiving medical treatments. Later, her file arrived at our agency and we began the usual adoption process. CCAA does not allow preidentified adoptions and they could argue that that's what we had. For our adoption's safety, we did not talk about the fostering online. Now, do you understand why we find this mandatory Harmonious Period of Bonding funny?

The HP went well; we played War and two chinese card games that Ting taught to me. We celebrated our harmony with lunch at a local Dumpling Restaurant. Oh, was the food good. They have a 6' x 12' display area of prepared dishes to examine before ordering. We chose the steamed shrimp dumplings, sweet potato balls, and stuffed pork balls. Actually, we let Ting do the choosing. The restaurant has no forks or spoons, so I was able to impress our guide with my ability to guide the food to my mouth with chopsticks. It took a while, but I managed!

Harmony prevails.

Off we Go, not!

I love to travel. Tell me that I can go and I'm packing quickly. I just love to visit new/old places and meet people. Places and people are fascinating to me. Sometimes travel stinks.

After arranging and rearranging our bags, I (without having slept) was delivered to the OKC airport by Gerald and the girls at 4am for a 5:40am flight to Detroit. You already know that it didn't happen until after 7am.

Taiyuan, again

Taiyuan, my fav city of only one million curious, friendly people. It is pronounced "tye yoo an", while only briefly pronouncing the middle syllable.

The airport is still the same. Same fading and peeling painted walls, same open doored restrooms and smells, and same spitoons near every corner. I think spitting is a national sport here.

We arrived very late; around 9:30pm since our 6pm flight didn't leave on time. No one knew why the delay. Fell into a nice firm bed at midnight. Oh, I haven't mentioned the China beds. Funny; on this trip I didn't notice that the China beds are still firmer than granite until tonight. Does this mean that I've acheived a special China travel level? Will I receive a certificate? If you've never slept on a China mattress, it's hard to convince you of it's firmness. Gerald, my dh, didn't really believe me until his experience in 2006. While I packed for this trip, Gerald offered that I should take an air mattress. That is proof that he remembers how rock hard are the China beds. I took a close look at my top mattress. It looks like a second box spring of coils with a 1" pad on top.

Well, must get sleep now that I've exhausted the China mattress issue.
Tomorrow begins the "Harmonious Period" of our adoption.

One, Two, Three, Four...I Can't Walk Anymore

Oh my legs....why did I go along with Christina's plan for the day??? Christina is our friendly guide thru Beijing and Taiyuan. She's really nice and took it upon herself to arrange our day up until our 6pm flight to Taiyuan.

We got as close to the Bird's Nest as allowed by the guards. The Olympic Stadium is unique and imposing with its woven frame and giant proportions. The Villages are spread out and receiving finishing touches. All around BJ are workers painting, brinking, planting trees and flowers, painting bridges and many other tasks. The Olympic events will spread outside of BJ. Taiyuan, a one hour flight west, is a satellite airport and housing area.

Moving on, we did a brief circle around Tianneman Square and the front steps of the Forbidden City. No time to visit the 999.5 rooms today! Then we began the drive out of town on the Badalang Expressway to the Great Wall. I was excited to learn that we were NOT going to Badalang. The crowds are heavy on any day; it is the usual tourist stop. I wanted to see the JuYongGuan section since I've been to the other two--Badalang and MuTianYu. And to be very honest, while Gerald, Cora & I climbed Badaling fairly high in 2006, I didn't go very far on MuTianYu in 1998. On that trip, Stuart(11) and Taylor(8) went up, up, up into the clouds while Kelley(19) and I waited at a lower cloud level. (Dad-Gerald was in the middle of tax season back home) So, I am not sure how bad is MuTianYu.

How do I explain JuYongGuan...think irregular height steps, ranging from 3" to 18+". A very low rail is available to drag yourself upward. Now I understand why the rail is so low--that's where you are when your body begins to revolt. To add insult to the future injury and pain, is the Mao quote carved in stone that you pass: “You are not a real man if you have not climbed the great Wall.” Ok, I'm not a man and do not look to Mao for direction, but watching a toddler, in tiny sandals and split pants, climbing upward while holding Granny's hands, demands that I must continue and not turn back. It was horrible! The Peruvian lady tourists and I were about to expire! We were panting and dripping with sweat. We must have had the same condition as we'd all stop at the same time to gasp for air, while little kids skipped from step to step, climbing like pygmy goats. TB even asked me a couple of times if I wanted to go down. "No," was easy to say during an exhale. Now I know the real reason guide Christina stayed at the first level.

Oh, the view, even with the overcast today. It is beautiful! Clouds sitting low around us. A stillness and calmness. The only sound is the faint panting of fellow climbers.

Coming down wasn't much better since at that point all upper thigh muscles are not wanting to move the needed direction and that means my knees will not bend. By halfway down, my legs were literally trembling! I've never experience this before, but then again, reading a good book or strolling thru Mardel does not do damage to leg muscles.

To take my mind off my misery, I decided to count the steps so TB could boast about her accomplishment. 394 steps (arched humps in the route were not counted since I couldn't decide if they were one or two steps. Trust me, you'd have to be there to understand that rationale.) And I must multiply by 2, for up and for down. So, that's 788 steps!

It is now Friday and my legs still hurt but no longer tremble or feel like spaghetti. So, I guess I will live and recover.

Off we Go! Not!

Monday--3:30am still awake and rearranging everything. Woke the girls. Impressively, they bounced out of bed to dress and help carry bags to the car.
4:30 arrived at airport, checked in at a kiosk, and prepared to journey thru security. I will never get used to walking barefoot in an airport-yuck yuck!
5:40am Where’s the plane?
6:00am Employee announces that they are trying to find a licensed stairway driver ??
6:40 Employee announces that stairway struck the plane which required a "potential damage" inspection.
7:30am My traveling partner and I load up and fly to Detroit. I've never been to Michigan. From the air, the landscape is beautiful—lush green with scattered pockets of trees. Guess I was expecting rows of vehicles, side by side...
So far, my traveling buddy has startled me from desperately needed sleep by seemingly constant movement. The ultimate wakeup was splashing my lap and legs with apple juice! TB (travel buddy) will remain anonymous for now.

2:30 Rain begins in Detroit, quickly followed by beautiful lightning. Oh, they don't load planes when there's lightning....finally loaded for Beijing, later than scheduled. However pilot is soon bragging on PA how the winds will allow us to make up AND get ahead of scheduled landing in Beijing. In a later announcement, I noticed that he went back to using our original landing time.

TB had rough time. She couldn't get comfortable. We were both tired, tired. I find it hard to sleep sitting up with life abounding around me. I gave up my seat so she could enjoy sleeping in a horizontal position and I spent the hours walking and standing. I got to see Siberia really well.

Tuesday night--We arrived late in Beijing, so it was after midnight for bed with a very early start planned on Wed since our guide thought she'd treat us to some outings (I hadn't planned on this) before we fly to Taiyuan, a city that I enjoy visiting.

Travel Itinerary

6/23-24 Fly OKC to Beijing (no flights to Taiyuan after arrival in BJS)
6/25 Beijing fun and fly to Taiyuan late
6/26 Sign Harmonious Period papers
......very very funny to us; you'll read why later
6/27 Sign Adoption papers
6/28 visit Pingyao, maybe (see Slideshow pics in right sidebar)
6/29 find a good Bible based church
6/30 It's Monday, do laundry
7/1 Adoption papers delivered to us; fly to Guangzhou; US medical appt & visa pictures
7/2 Consulate appt for my guide
7/3 I swear-in at US Consulate, Guangzhou
7/4 Fly home; arrive in time for fun & fireworks

Travel Approval and let's make plans

Travel Approval received!! Now we can set Consulate appointment. We’ve been told that this will be a one week trip. That’s good since only I will travel this time.

Updated Correction Apparently, at the last minute, someone, somewhere says that it is impossible to trim down the travel time. I will be there for a full 12, 24hour days. It would be a lie to say that I took the news with joy. I cried. Honestly, I just don't want to do the long trip without Gerald. I know what's involved and that knowledge prevents me from fantasizing an adoption trip. After talking with Gerald and much prayer, I have accepted the changes and am preparing to leave.

In the midst of many changes is a wonderful lady whom I've never met, yet depend upon for our adoption trips--Sue Sorrels of Arlington, TX. She can find and arrange the best travel arrangements. And she makes changes without a murmur or complaint. She even offers sympathy for the way things just don't work out. She's a nice part of sometimes difficult situations.

LOA the fast way

CCAA mailed our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) that we must sign, agreeing to adopt this child. CCAA even allowed us to fax it back to their office so that they could expedite our Travel Approval.

We signed original and FedExed it to CCAA.
Ouch!
That cost $53!!

Just a friendly reminder

Called IAAP to ask if they've heard anything and to remind them that she is near age 14 yrs, the age when China will no longer a child to be adopted. They checked with CCAA who "promised to get to her file asap." Ok, let's see how the CCAA defines ASAP!

Travel Itinerary

6/23-24 Fly OKC to Beijing
6/25 day in Beijing & Fly to Taiyuan (Remember? I wanted a short trip and because we couldn't catch a flight out of Beijing after we arrive.
6/26 Sign Harmonious Period paper
....(This is very very funny to us; you'll soon read why)
6/27 Sign Adoption papers
6/28 visit PingYao
6/29
6/30 Adoption papers delivered & fly to Guangzhou
7/1 US Medical appt and visa pictures
7/2 Consulate appointment for my guide
7/3 I swear-in at US Consulate, Guangzhou, China
7/4 Fly home, arring in time for fun & fireworks

On the way to CCAA !

Our dossier is on its way to CCAA in Beijing!!!
Finally; now we wait for formal and final approval to adopt Dang Ting.

3/17 Our dossier was Logged In at CCAA

I171h has arrived

Received I171h---approval of our I600a!! Now to rush this off to all the Authentication stops. Thank goodness for great courier services.

Fingerprints everywhere

Fingerprinting appointment at USCIS. Everyone in the home, 18yrs and older participate. We’ve done this so many times, that the adoption officers will talk with us while we wait (that just doesn't usually happen :-) Gerald comments that the FBI must have our file tagged. Good news; the FBI purges prints and results after 15 months.